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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A separate section of a larger composition.






2. A musical form where the melody or tune is imitated by individual parts at regular intervals. The individual parts may enter at different measures and pitches. The tune may also be played at different speeds - backwards - or inverted.






3. A scale consisting of only whole-tone notes. Such a scale consists of only 6 notes.






4. A composition written for three to six voices. Beginning with the exposition - each voice enters at different times - creating counterpoint with one another.






5. A symbol used in musical notation indicating to gradually quicken tempo.






6. A system of notation for stringed instruments. The notes are indicated by the finger positions.






7. Short movement or interlude connecting the main parts of the composition.






8. A harmonic given off by a note when it is played.






9. Atonal and violent style used as a means of evoking heightened emotions and states of mind.






10. A form of Italian opera beginning at the end of the 19th century. The setting is contemporary to the composer's own time - and the characters are modeled after every day life.






11. A song of praise and glorification. Most often to honor God.






12. A musical form where the principal theme is repeated several times. The rondo was often used for the final movements of classical sonata form works.






13. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






14. A solo concert with or without accompaniment.






15. An extended solo - often accompanying the vocal part of an aria.






16. Suite of Baroque dances.






17. The study of forms - history - science - and methods of music.






18. The playing or singing the upper half of the vocal range. Also the highest voice in choral singing.






19. Three notes played in the same amount of time as one or two beats.






20. A composition written for eight instruments.






21. To shift to another key.






22. The retuning of a stringed instrument in order to play notes below the ordinary range of the instrument or to produce an usual tone color.






23. The frequency of a note determining how high or low it sounds.






24. A book of text containing the words of an opera.






25. Singing or chanting in unison without strict rhythm. Collected during the Reign of Pope Gregory VIII for psalms and other other parts of the church service.






26. Where the musical themes and melodies are developed - written in sonata form.






27. Short movement or interlude connecting the main parts of the composition.






28. A musical style characterized as excessive - ornamental - and trivial.






29. Singing or chanting in unison without strict rhythm. Collected during the Reign of Pope Gregory VIII for psalms and other other parts of the church service.






30. The range of an instrumental or a vocal part.






31. Closing section of a movement.






32. Refers to the tuning of an instrument.






33. Two or three melodic lines played at the same time.






34. The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.






35. A composition whose style is simple and idyllic; suggestive of rural scenes.






36. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1700's to mid 1800's. The music was spare and emotionally reserved - especially when compared to Romantic and Boroque music.






37. Time signature with three beats to the measure.






38. A set of five musicians who perform a composition written for five parts.






39. A style of male singing where by partial use of the vocal chords - the voice is able to reach the pitch of a female.






40. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1800's and lasted about sixty years. There was a strong regard for order and balance.






41. Music written for chorus and orchestra. Most often religious in nature.






42. Either of the two octave arrangements in modern music. The modes are either major or minor.






43. A lighthearted piece - written in several movements - usually as background music for a social function.






44. The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into two - three - four beats to a measure.






45. A musical composition that has a romantic or dreamy character with nocturnal associations.






46. The technique of altering the tone color of a single note or musical line by changing from one instrument to another in the middle of a note or line.






47. The playing or singing the upper half of the vocal range. Also the highest voice in choral singing.






48. A dance written in triple time - where the accent falls on the first beat of each measure.






49. The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.






50. A string of chords played in succession.